Owner’s Manual

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland GI-20 GK-MIDI Interface. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled:

“USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (page 2–3) and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (page 4).

These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

Main Features

The GI-20 is a multifunction GK-MIDI interface.

It takes the signals from the individual strings of the guitar or bass equipped with a divided pickup, analyzes each string’s pitch and volume, and outputs the information as MIDI data. You can combine the GI-20 with a MIDI sound module and use the setup as a guitar synthesizer, or connect it to a computer and use it as an input tool for sequencers or similar applications.

Compatible with guitars and basses.

Features internal patch memory, allowing you to store a variety of different settings.

You can connect an expression pedal (the optional EV-5) or foot switch to (the optional FS-5U) adjust volume and pitch, hold notes, and control other aspects of performances.

The GI-20 comes equipped with a USB connector. Using a single cable, you can connect the unit to a computer to easily input data and play performances.

*USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, is a type of interface for connecting computers to a wide variety of peripheral devices.

The GI-20 also features a built-in chromatic tuner for fast, accurate tuning.

The unit supports the use of a variety of playing techniques, including finger picking and tapping. And it gives you the most natural expression, matching your playing technique.

Copyright © 2003 ROLAND CORPORATION

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.

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Roland GI-20 owner manual Main Features, Using the Unit Safely page 2-3 and Important Notes

GI-20 specifications

The Roland GI-20 is a groundbreaking MIDI guitar converter that allows electric guitarists to explore the vast world of MIDI technology. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional guitar playing and digital music production, the GI-20 transforms standard guitar signals into MIDI data, giving players access to a wide array of synthesized sounds and virtual instruments.

One of the main features of the GI-20 is its ability to track the guitar’s pitch with high accuracy. Utilizing Roland’s advanced technology, the device boasts rapid response times and minimal latency, ensuring that every note plucked or strummed is translated into MIDI in real-time. This precision is crucial for guitarists who wish to maintain their playing style while experimenting with synthesizers and sampled instruments.

In terms of connectivity, the Roland GI-20 is equipped with a 13-pin connector, allowing it to interface seamlessly with compatible Roland synths, sound modules, and other MIDI devices. Additionally, standard MIDI outputs enable connection to MIDI controllers and computers, providing an expansive toolkit for music creation.

The user interface is designed with simplicity in mind. A large LCD display allows for easy navigation of settings, while intuitive controls help players adjust parameters on the fly. Guitarists can also customize their performance by altering the sensitivity levels, enabling them to fine-tune how the device responds to their playing style.

The GI-20 offers an array of built-in sounds that mirror the capabilities of traditional synthesizers. These sounds can be layered or split into different tones based on the player’s preferences, offering a variety of sonic textures to enhance compositions. Furthermore, the ability to save and recall user settings allows for quick access to preferred configurations during live performances.

Another significant characteristic of the GI-20 is its compatibility with a wide range of guitars, including both electric and bass guitars. As long as the instrument is equipped with the appropriate pickup system, the GI-20 can effectively convert its output into MIDI signals.

In summary, the Roland GI-20 is a versatile and innovative tool for guitarists seeking to expand their creative horizons. With its accurate tracking, extensive connectivity, user-friendly interface, and a wealth of sounds, it unlocks the potential for guitarists to dive into the realms of electronic music and MIDI composition. Whether in the studio or on stage, the GI-20 opens up a world of possibilities for musicians looking to blend traditional guitar playing with modern technology.